The nostalgia for old Gran Turismo games is strong with this car. It was one of my favorites because even in a game against AI competition I loved the unassuming cars.
I used to love blowing the doors off the Ai in this thing! I drove a surprising number of miles in this thing in Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec, I believe it was.
2 things: 1. You have to admire Doug for not using, not even once, the word “sleeper” 2. As an Italian there are few things I would want to happen in this world more than seeing Doug reviewing the best fast wagon my Country ever produced: the mighty Alfa Romeo 156 GTA Sportwagon with its “Busso” V6
Or maybe you like to ski. Maybe you like the extra cargo space for yourself. No need for kids to choose this or enjoy it. That's a stereotype. Designed to target young families for the carmakers financial benefit, not to create a closed minded stereotype within the general public. People just have no minds of their own these days.
Doug is absolutely right about all RB engines reliability in stock form. I had an R32 GTR with nearly 200K km before I sold it. It had intakes and a catback exhaust. I put on about 60k km as a daily driver. Nothing broke. Nothing wore out. There were no leaks. All I did was fluid changes and brakes.
Yeah it eats all SUVs for breakfast with that... if only people realized it we would have had more of these. US now only has Outback and even this is a bit far from actual wagon version of Legacy unless you lower it, but its not even manual anymore even in europe...
Doug has come a long way, he can literally review top of the class, first class flagship hypercars (Which he does) everyday and sit and drink wine with company officials relaxing for the rest of his life, BUT NO, HE IS DOUG, OUR DOUG! HE WILL REVIEW CARS LIKE THIS AND I WILL WATCH IT TILL ETERNITY.
Yeah Doug has been on a roll with the quirky cars lately. Love it. I'm sure he enjoys checking out the newest sports cars, luxury cars etc. but I think you can tell that this is what he really likes to review.
I'm a sucker for big cars, sedans and wagons specifically, and I've been nerding out on the Stagea especially ever since I heard of them a few years ago. About a year ago, one showed up that was the exact trim and options I wanted (Manual, AWD, RB25DET NEO), so I jumped on it. Well, it finally got through Customs recently and is on its way to being delivered to me, and Doug posts this review right now. Thanks, Doug. You're not making the anticipation any easier by hyping this thing up. 😅
That's awesome! I'm the same I love big RWD sedans. Except, I was born and raised in Japan, I had a red Stagea toy car when I was a kid and my friend's mother had this car. I grew up with it so I bought a Ford Crown Victoria lol
As a Japanese vehicle nerd I've always had a ton of appreciation for this vehicle. Very happy to see Doug reviewing one and I hope for more quirky imports in the future.
Quick Correction @7:10 - From the factory there should have been a "Stagea" badge on the rear above the left hand tail-light, as well as a fairly distinctive "AutechVersion" emblem above the 260RS sticker, so its still subtle, but not quite as subtle as this video would suggest :). Those parts are still available from Nissan though and the successful buyer at CARS AND BIDS should definitely track down a set to complete the car 😍
This example also had a later model steering wheel (series 2) and the blue light up cluster is aftermarket LEDs.. but fairly original aside from the head unit etc..
@@gav240z He also missed the greatest quirk of all - The Auto Cluster with a sticker to cover the gear tree - Autech put it there because in the Series 1 Nissan hadn't prudced a manual cluster yet.
@@purwantiallan5089 I think he is talking about a cluster for a car with an automatic transmission- it may have had a P RND21 shifter position indicator in the cluster but apparently Autech put a sticker over that to cover it up. I'm just guessing though.
@@purwantiallan5089 I just looked it up, that is what he was talking about. In the instrument cluster, there is a vertical, rectangular recess between the speedometer and the tachometer. In cars with an automatic transmission, there would be a lighted shift indicator there. Since these had manual transmissions, they wouldn't need those. I guess all of the instrument clusters at the time were for automatic transmission-equipped cars. Rather than waiting for a different cluster for these with a manual transmission, they just used the auto's cluster and covered the shift indicator section.
we spent so much time seeing certain cars on the road growing up and in modern times that I have them memorized. There is a new Hyundai SUV that has the rear end of a 2003 Mustang.
I've been absolutely obsessed with the Stagea for a while now and after seeing this, I'm fully convinced my next car will be one. Autechs go for far more money than I want to spend on one, but base models are actually quite affordable. single turbo RB25 NEO that still hits the gentleman's 276hp, mated to an automatic and the same AWD (any manual example is basically double the price) and the dream would be to revamp that base model look with the existing GTR body kits, and paint it over in Millennium Jade. Aside from that I wouldn't touch it, I'd much prefer the comfort of it being a functionally stock family station wagon, and be able to show it off at cars and coffee.
Very cool. I love the 90s unapologetic chunkiness, especially the rear end! Not exactly a sleeper with that rear wing, but the next best thing! Also glad that the owner or owners chose to keep the original body, especially for the front, because that Skyline GT-R front end mod at 7:35 is definitely not where it's at!
@@irs4486 Eh, the RS6 is pretty cool and all, but it doesn't feel special and unique like this one, it lacks the presence. Also don't speak zoomer to me, I'm not a zoomer.
The Stagea 260rs is less of a GTR wagon and more of an AWD Laurel wagon with a GTR drivetrain, so you don't quite get the same handling. Also, the Stagea didn't come with 4 cylinder, N/A and GTR motors. They also came with the Neo RB25DET. the RB25 Stagea also had an AWD version as well. One odd quirk is the RB25 versions had the R34 engine, yet the 260RS had the R33 RB26.
The Stagea shares parts across Skylines, Silvia, Laurels, etc. There's no saying it's one thing over the other especially when the main component- the engine, is that of a Skyline/GTRs lol. So it's fair to dub it a Skyline wagon since it's powered by it. That being said there are plenty of N/A Stageas. Unless you misspoke... Also, the S1 Stageas had R33 RB25/RB20's and the S1.5/S2 models has the R34 RB25/RB20's.***
@@AdultsAreTalking an A31 Cefiro has supension from an S13 and the drivetrain from an R32 GTS-t, but that doesn't make it a Skyline. The chassis of the Stagea is based on a Laurel. I'm not saying it IS a Laurel, but it isn't exactly a Skyline GTR either, since the engines can differ, but the chassis is the same. Engines are shared across many platforms. That doesn't make the cars the same. The chassis is what matters. A pulsar isn't a Silvia because it has an SR20. Also, I didn't say there weren't NA models, doug said there were only NA 4 cylinder engines and the RB26. That's not true. They used other turbo engines as well.
@@justintaylor9458 well a suspension is very different than an engine sir. And regardless it's not literally a GTR wagon, just dubbed that name. Again, not to be taken literally. And Yes, the 260RS has the exact RB26DETT engine as a GTR. There's no other car on earth that came with a factory RB26 apart from a GTR and a 260RS. Hence the dubbed name. That being said they do share parts with Skylines, Laurels, and Silvias. Half the suspension in my Stagea is taken from an S15 Silvia, my brakes from a Z32, my engine is from an R34 Skyline lol. Yes the chassis is mostly shared with the Laurel but it also came with Skyline subframes from.the factory. Everything is shared. But most cars are notably dubbed after what powers them. Similarly to how people call the RAM RT/10 a Viper truck.
Lol, what a coincidence. I was playing Gran Turismo 2 yesterday (after 20 years since I played it last time) and won Stagea 260RS. It was very odd and fascinating car when I played GT2 in my teens, but I never got a chance to get some more info about it and forgot about it thru the years. Today I have nice internet, so when the game reminded me this Nissan I went on UA-cam to find some information about it and bam… Doug put a video 1h ago with Stagea.
Getting so much nostalgia for Gran Turismo 2 as soon as I saw Doug's video for this car popped up. I have fond memories of the first time I played GT2 and the very first car I used for the 4WD Challenge races was this very Nissan Stagea 260RS Autech Version in yellow with the HP fully maxed out. Good times! :')
The organic marriage of C&B with Doug's reviews bringing us cars like this is just really.... something, I don't have the proper words. More power to ya Doug !
My favorite generation of these. I actually see a regular one from time to time in my town in rural Russia, it's even the same color as the one featured in the video.
The Stagea is already a really interesting car for me, but this one is on another level. The same AWD System and RB26 engine from the Skyline GT-R? This makes this Nissan Stagea one of the coolest wagons i've ever seen, for sure!
My favorite out of the bunch of that era Legnum vr4 looks too similar to the base and the galant coupe is arguably cooler The 1jz altezza is cool but too similar looking to the regular is200 And the caldina gtt... that's just a different type of car, still a super wagon but a much less hefty celica gt-four wagon
Here are some quirks and features you didn't talk about. Rear seat reclines quite a bit 2 levers in the trunk that's very close to the hatch opening will slam the 2nd row down with a satisfying thud. Then you can sleep in the trunk bed as it's a completely folded flat design. The trunk door has a easy close function like a rolls royce. From 1996! The stagea was probably one of the first Nissan's to have optional reverse camera, much like a Gloria or Cedric of the time. It's a big bulge outside and the display was in black and white. For a wagon this size, it has no cup holders, they figured it out in series 2. Although a sprung and very fancy cup holder was available in all other trims at that time, but only when paired with an automatic. That climate control is not where it was meant to be. Someone made some cuts to fit that 2din navigation head unit. The trunk spare tire cover has a bib for your dogs to climb in and out of. The bodykit for this generation was pp plastic, but they threw that away for fiberglass for series 2. They found out that they weren't going to sell a lot of these. The VIN plate does not say RB26DETT like an actual Skyline GTR. The wagon had its white body shipped out to autech to have the R33 GTR drivetrain installed. So vin plate says RB25DET instead .....
My favourite quirk that he missed: Nissan didn't make a manual option until the series 2 (which interestingly is almost as rare and featured the same 5 speed gearbox as the Autech 260RS, but with only the RB25DET motor) - and as such for series 1 cars, Autech used an automatic guage cluster with a sticker to cover up the selected gear lights (can be seen in this video between the Speedo and tach)
@@comieodor I was always curious if someone could peel that tape off and reveal the PRNDL display. The gauge cluster was not untouched otherwise, either. The tachometer reads a cool 10 on the x1000 rpm scale. Doug said the speed is higher but that is not true, it was still at gentlemen's agreed 180km/h nationally mandated electronic speed limiter of the time.
The truck door easy close function was a rare option that most do not have. Also I've never seen or ever heard of these having a backup camera from the factory before. That's odd.
I drive a friend's 260RS about a decade ago. Very cool. It feels very solid and the motor sounds amazing. Downsides are it's not that fast, even with mild mods due to the heavier body. Fuel consumption is really bad. A motor rebuild, not uncommon with something this old, will run well into the five figures in USD, as my friend found out.
Hi, Cefiro and Stagea owner here. The NISS ANN Stagea even as a 260RS isn't a skyline but an actual laurel C34, hence the WC34 in the model number. Also I'd prefer the RB25 over the 26 but that's because of a couple of issues with the oil pumps in the 26 being a little weak due to the drive collar on the crank. you can get good power out of a 25 with no more than a td05 or 3076 and a tune.
@@afrost1443 yeah I meant laurel, it shares more parts with the c34 than a r33 or r34. Sadly my rs4 is an auto but I might just do a conversion if I find a good box.
@@ceffydriver I had the equivalent C34 to your RS4 and had to research the Stageas a lot because there was 0 information about AWD C34s. I ended up swapping in an R33 GTR gearbox with not much effort.
This is basically my top dream JDM car. There was a time these weren't too expensive. Sadly that was a good 10 years ago... Second choice was Legnum VR-4 (though manual ones ultra rare and thus now, silly money). I settled for a Subaru Legacy GT-B S Edition manual, in the end. Very happy with it. But would've been nice to have experienced the others.
GTB's are amazing and underrated cheap sleepers. I have a 1998 Subaru B4 RSK 98 octane tuned making 340hp. Love the car but the 5 speed gearbox is not the best, still faster than the new WRX and GTI.
I nearly bought a 260rs for $11k 5 years ago. Another like the 1 in this video was offered to me for $15k. I ended up paying a bit more for a better example though. Wish I bought all 3 given the way values have gone.
I had a '97 RS4, fitted with a similar body kit to the one you see here, but with the RB25DE in rear wheel drive only, which topped out at about 190km/h. They tend to develop rust under the wing mirrors and in the sills. Very stable in a straight line but prone to understeer in the twisties. I always lusted after one of these but would never have managed the bill for petrol, tyres, and insurance. This is the car you want! I now drive an E50 Elgrand, fitted with the VQ35DE. It's not short on power....
I FRICKEN LOVE WAGONS. FIRST CAR WAS A 96 VOLVO 850 TURBO BACK IN 2015. I BOUGHT IT OFF A CORNER LOT WITH A BROKEN ODOMETER STUCK AT ABOUT 225000 MILES. FUNNY PART WAS IS THAT IT LASTED ME 3 YEARS SO I GOT MY MONEY'S WORTH (A LITTLE OVER 2 GRAND). I DIDNT EVEN KNOW IT WAS A 5 CYLINDER TURBO AT THE TIME BUT THERE IS JUST SOMETHING ABOUT THE WAGON SILHOUETTE THAT IS JUST SO ATTRACTIVE TO ME TO THIS DAY. THIS CAR HAS THOSE SAME EXACT VIBES THAT MADE ME FALL IN LOVE WITH THE SILHOUETTE IN THE FIRST PLACE. THE TAILLIGHTS, SPOLER, ROOF RACK ETC. ITS ALL SO PERFECT. THANK YOU DOUG
Yes, Doug likes piña coladas And gettin' caught in the rain If you're not into yoga If you have half a brain If you like makin' love at midnight In the dunes on the cape Then I'm the love that you've looked for Write to me and escape
1:38 damn that looks like a XV20 Camry with the front of a XV10 Camry, perfectly validating Doug's point about most normal skylines as normal transportation mentioned at that frame
A rural mail carrier in my area (Northern Washington State) uses this exact car to deliver mail. I think it helps cause we get some really icy winters sometimes (and of course no RHD conversion needed) but every time I see it it just looks so ridiculous to see such a high performance vehicle delivering mail.
@@verttikoo2052 It can't be worse than JDM re-import Jeep Cherokees and Wranglers with their big six-cylinder engines that rural mail carriers love. Besides, Uncle Sam and by extension all of us are buying their gas.
I love these, they've been very popular imports in Canada over the last decade because they're fun for the summer but they can also get you to the ski hill in winter.
I own a Nismo 260rs with an Rbd25det and it had been the best car I've owned. Has all the practically but also all the performance you need to go up against even v8 cars. Love that it finally reached the US market becuase it means prices of them will sky-rocket in Australia. 😃
You absolutely do not own a nismo 260rs 😂😂 it was a concept and in grand turismo but they never actually made any. There was however some nismo body panels available for purchase.
9:48 that is not a GTR cluster and those are not GTR seats - both unique to the 260 RS. You can see in the cluster where the display for the automatic would have been for most other Stagea models
I understand that people would want to make it look like a GT-R, however, I REALLY love the stock version. I like these kind of boxy cars, and this is a good boxy car.
Dang it Doug. I secretly wanted one of these at some point...now everyone knows about them and the price is about to go up 🤦🏾 Shout out to reviewing one of my not-so-secret-anymore dream cars lol. I love this thing.
That thing is freaking awesome! I don’t know what it is, but I absolutely love wagons (or estate cars if you’re a Brit). The Lancia Delta Integrale Evo is my all-time, dream car.
weird photo that doug used to show when people do r34 front end swaps. people do ENTIRE front end swaps, lights, fenders, bonnet, bar. it looks perfectly like an r34 afterwards and its sick
I love this car Doug. I hope you realise a load of people will be searching these up after seeing this video. It would be cool to see the upshift in google searches from like 6 months ago and compare them in 6 months time 😂
I saw one of these at a rest area in Michigan this summer and I had no idea what it was. When I first drove up I thought it was a Volvo, and then I said wait a minute it’s definitely not… What is it. Very cool to see the review! The one I saw was bright yellow and it was pretty sweet.
You sadly forgot about all the other stageas, there are a lot of cool performance versions between the base model and the rs260. Btw autech also made a 4door gtr
As a Canadian who has seen these running around the West Coast for a few years now, I couldn't help but chuckle when the term 'subtle' was used to describe these.
Doug DeMuro... automotive hero. Bringing another amazing vehicle to C&B! If you ever look to expand to the Midwest to review cars from outside CA, LMK, I would love to talk to and work for you.
@15:09 classic doug, made dad jokes before he was even a father... now it fits perfectly... and the subtle ha at the end 🤌 doug reveling in his amazingness
If I had the money, I would bid right now. But it’s probably a good thing that I don’t… because I would: 1. Increase the performance with a goal of 400-450HP. Not 1,000. Just 450ish. 2. Paint it metallic royal blue. 3. Paint the rims, mirrors, spoiler, and the trim pieces behind the rear side windows in chrome silver. 4. Paint a pair of chrome silver racing stripes on it from the front bumper to the hood, to the roof, and all the way down the back. 5. Upgrade the infotainment system and sound system inside. Apple CarPlay is a must. 6. Add LED accent lighting in the interior and underglow underneath the edges of the whole thing 7. Install cameras in front, back, top down, etc. And other similar modern technologies Just to name a few 😂
I have a 98' Cefiro S-Touring and it has the same gauge cluster and a better AC control setup. Just clicked over 115k's on it. Have owned it since 2007 and it came straight from Tokyo Nissan dealership in really good nick with 80k on the clock. It has been s very solid dependable car.
the stagea autech. love this car. timeless. if i ever come across one with a R34 front facia swap i would DEDUCT at least $14,000 from the stock blue book price. the autech body kit revisions is crucial to what makes this car great.
Can we take a moment to appreciate that cars of this era are a completely different breed. The junk that comes out now is all throwaway cars that are not built to last that will all be heaps of metal by the time they are old enough to be considered classics. Those that are not tuna cans by that time will be outdated relics of 2020 era trends
About the handling... did anyone notice that the Stagea is on snow tires (aka Studless tires)? You can clearly tell it's rolling on Michelin X-Ice (see 5:58). That would clearly affect how the car feels. The OEM rims were so pristine because it was probably used only for three months out of the year, where it didn't snow.
Just picked up the RS Four S version of this car. It’s a RB25 awd manual version of this same car but for 1/3rd of the price. Best kept secret in these cars. 😃
14:29 I have the same experience with my Honda Accord CD7 2.2i, which is as rare the Autech is in the US as it is here in The Netherlands. Never saw one in the two years that I have owned it. It has heated seats, electric power antenna, heated mirrors and the lot.
Missed my favorite quirk or feature of the 260, there are giant red warning label stickers on the lips of the wheels, saying there required front or rear position because of a slightly different offset. Not even width, I just slightly different offset. I love that. Bonus feature is the rear bumper protector that folds out from the spare tire area covered in horseshoes and the Stagea logo. Looking at the photos, it appears this one is missing it. Also, all 260 VIN plates say RB25 because that’s the motor they started out as, before Autech modified them.
The nostalgia for old Gran Turismo games is strong with this car. It was one of my favorites because even in a game against AI competition I loved the unassuming cars.
I used to love blowing the doors off the Ai in this thing! I drove a surprising number of miles in this thing in Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec, I believe it was.
Will always have a soft spot for these because of Gran Turismo
@@Maddog93Tperiod!!!
I had a yellow one of these in Gran Turismo 2 and use to beat so many friends and AI with it!
@@chrisSVT yasss me too my favorite was the yellow color lolz twinsss
2 things:
1. You have to admire Doug for not using, not even once, the word “sleeper”
2. As an Italian there are few things I would want to happen in this world more than seeing Doug reviewing the best fast wagon my Country ever produced: the mighty Alfa Romeo 156 GTA Sportwagon with its “Busso” V6
Or perhaps super engine.
yess, I am second wanted him to review that since before, hopefully new fiat panda in future decades.. 🇮🇹
Sleeper is such a cringe term
Busso!
Какой всратый обзор, на солярисы и шконку-рахиты снимай.
When you have kids but JDM is life...
now that I think about it, good idea!
Facts.
They can’t do left hand drive
...or single life, buying whatever ya want and having a huge Presa Canario dog. Lol
Or maybe you like to ski. Maybe you like the extra cargo space for yourself. No need for kids to choose this or enjoy it. That's a stereotype. Designed to target young families for the carmakers financial benefit, not to create a closed minded stereotype within the general public. People just have no minds of their own these days.
Doug is absolutely right about all RB engines reliability in stock form. I had an R32 GTR with nearly 200K km before I sold it. It had intakes and a catback exhaust. I put on about 60k km as a daily driver.
Nothing broke. Nothing wore out. There were no leaks. All I did was fluid changes and brakes.
there are old nissans with L-series motors that can last just as long- my neighbor has a 510 wagon still kicking with its original L-16
@tommurphy4307 Dude, tell me about it. My 76 280Z still has the original L28 motor in it, and I'm just past 190K km. Those are equally unstoppable!
@@WrathRT190K km or 200K km is really nothing
As someone who absolutely LOVES wagons, this is top tier. I think every cool sports/super car should be available in wagon form.
You blaspheme!
JOKE BTW.
As a proud owner of an Audi Allroad I absolutely agree
As a proud owner of a turbo forester I absolutely agree
like the e39 m5
Someone please get this man the R33 Autech 4 door GT-R.
That is probably the coolest wagon ever made. I love how much cargo capacity it has too. Wagons are great.
Yeah it eats all SUVs for breakfast with that... if only people realized it we would have had more of these. US now only has Outback and even this is a bit far from actual wagon version of Legacy unless you lower it, but its not even manual anymore even in europe...
Doug has come a long way, he can literally review top of the class, first class flagship hypercars (Which he does) everyday and sit and drink wine with company officials relaxing for the rest of his life, BUT NO, HE IS DOUG, OUR DOUG! HE WILL REVIEW CARS LIKE THIS AND I WILL WATCH IT TILL ETERNITY.
Yeah Doug has been on a roll with the quirky cars lately. Love it. I'm sure he enjoys checking out the newest sports cars, luxury cars etc. but I think you can tell that this is what he really likes to review.
Simp
Geez! Get a room! ;-) :-P :-D
he dropping those vids in dougcember.
Maybe not till eternity but close yes. 😂😅😊
I'm a sucker for big cars, sedans and wagons specifically, and I've been nerding out on the Stagea especially ever since I heard of them a few years ago. About a year ago, one showed up that was the exact trim and options I wanted (Manual, AWD, RB25DET NEO), so I jumped on it. Well, it finally got through Customs recently and is on its way to being delivered to me, and Doug posts this review right now. Thanks, Doug. You're not making the anticipation any easier by hyping this thing up. 😅
That's awesome! I'm the same I love big RWD sedans. Except, I was born and raised in Japan, I had a red Stagea toy car when I was a kid and my friend's mother had this car. I grew up with it so I bought a Ford Crown Victoria lol
This thing is small in person I live in Japan 😂 but I think roomy inside
Congratulations! Enjoy that fine machine. I'm considering importing one as well. Wagons are cool and fast wagons are really cool.
I really want any manual wagon! Just love the concept
how much was it? not ontly the car but all costs associated to it
These are some of the coolest wagons out there and I'm glad they are getting the love they deserve
Many of you feel sorry for this car. That is because you're crazy. It has no feelings, and the new one is much better.
Nothing right hand drive is cool. If you want a cool wagon get a mercedes R350
@@macbook802 or CTS-V Wagon
But hopefully not too much love. I still want to be able to afford one
I've owned an RSFour stagea for over a year now and they totally deserve the hype. They're super cool and fun to drive
I always appreciate how Doug lets us sit in the driver's seat when he's giving us a tour of a vehicle's interior.
As a Japanese vehicle nerd I've always had a ton of appreciation for this vehicle. Very happy to see Doug reviewing one and I hope for more quirky imports in the future.
You’re not a jdm nerd
Stagea 260RS AUTECH should've been returned to GT7 also.
@@Legend-lc9bv*not Japanese vehicle nerd
There, I fixed it. Know the difference between Japanese vehicles and JDM vehicles.
Quick Correction @7:10 - From the factory there should have been a "Stagea" badge on the rear above the left hand tail-light, as well as a fairly distinctive "AutechVersion" emblem above the 260RS sticker, so its still subtle, but not quite as subtle as this video would suggest :). Those parts are still available from Nissan though and the successful buyer at CARS AND BIDS should definitely track down a set to complete the car 😍
This example also had a later model steering wheel (series 2) and the blue light up cluster is aftermarket LEDs.. but fairly original aside from the head unit etc..
@@gav240z He also missed the greatest quirk of all - The Auto Cluster with a sticker to cover the gear tree - Autech put it there because in the Series 1 Nissan hadn't prudced a manual cluster yet.
@@comieodorwhat is Auto Cluster btw?
@@purwantiallan5089 I think he is talking about a cluster for a car with an automatic transmission- it may have had a P RND21 shifter position indicator in the cluster but apparently Autech put a sticker over that to cover it up. I'm just guessing though.
@@purwantiallan5089 I just looked it up, that is what he was talking about. In the instrument cluster, there is a vertical, rectangular recess between the speedometer and the tachometer. In cars with an automatic transmission, there would be a lighted shift indicator there. Since these had manual transmissions, they wouldn't need those. I guess all of the instrument clusters at the time were for automatic transmission-equipped cars. Rather than waiting for a different cluster for these with a manual transmission, they just used the auto's cluster and covered the shift indicator section.
It is CRAZY how much it looks like an early 2000s Honda Odyssey in the back.
exactly what i thought
we spent so much time seeing certain cars on the road growing up and in modern times that I have them memorized. There is a new Hyundai SUV that has the rear end of a 2003 Mustang.
I've been absolutely obsessed with the Stagea for a while now and after seeing this, I'm fully convinced my next car will be one. Autechs go for far more money than I want to spend on one, but base models are actually quite affordable. single turbo RB25 NEO that still hits the gentleman's 276hp, mated to an automatic and the same AWD (any manual example is basically double the price) and the dream would be to revamp that base model look with the existing GTR body kits, and paint it over in Millennium Jade. Aside from that I wouldn't touch it, I'd much prefer the comfort of it being a functionally stock family station wagon, and be able to show it off at cars and coffee.
This is gorgeous! Always been a fan of wagons since I was a kid (drive a Passat Highline Wagon now) but man I would LOVE this.
Very cool. I love the 90s unapologetic chunkiness, especially the rear end! Not exactly a sleeper with that rear wing, but the next best thing! Also glad that the owner or owners chose to keep the original body, especially for the front, because that Skyline GT-R front end mod at 7:35 is definitely not where it's at!
Looks kinda Subaru-ish, the lights really don’t work with the bumper tho
@@wwanimator It does kinda look like a Subaru Forester from the 90s, just cooler!
rs6 looks better lil bro
@@irs4486 Eh, the RS6 is pretty cool and all, but it doesn't feel special and unique like this one, it lacks the presence. Also don't speak zoomer to me, I'm not a zoomer.
@@irs4486 wow you’re cringe
One of my favorite wagons/JDM cars. A review I forgot I needed.
The Stagea 260rs is less of a GTR wagon and more of an AWD Laurel wagon with a GTR drivetrain, so you don't quite get the same handling. Also, the Stagea didn't come with 4 cylinder, N/A and GTR motors. They also came with the Neo RB25DET. the RB25 Stagea also had an AWD version as well. One odd quirk is the RB25 versions had the R34 engine, yet the 260RS had the R33 RB26.
Finally someone else who knows about the Stagea… can’t believe how much garbage Doug says
@@21petergriffin420 I'm not a huge Stagea guy per se, but I've lived in Japan since 98', so I've seen my fair share.
The Stagea shares parts across Skylines, Silvia, Laurels, etc. There's no saying it's one thing over the other especially when the main component- the engine, is that of a Skyline/GTRs lol. So it's fair to dub it a Skyline wagon since it's powered by it. That being said there are plenty of N/A Stageas. Unless you misspoke...
Also, the S1 Stageas had R33 RB25/RB20's and the S1.5/S2 models has the R34 RB25/RB20's.***
@@AdultsAreTalking an A31 Cefiro has supension from an S13 and the drivetrain from an R32 GTS-t, but that doesn't make it a Skyline. The chassis of the Stagea is based on a Laurel. I'm not saying it IS a Laurel, but it isn't exactly a Skyline GTR either, since the engines can differ, but the chassis is the same. Engines are shared across many platforms. That doesn't make the cars the same. The chassis is what matters. A pulsar isn't a Silvia because it has an SR20.
Also, I didn't say there weren't NA models, doug said there were only NA 4 cylinder engines and the RB26. That's not true. They used other turbo engines as well.
@@justintaylor9458 well a suspension is very different than an engine sir. And regardless it's not literally a GTR wagon, just dubbed that name. Again, not to be taken literally. And Yes, the 260RS has the exact RB26DETT engine as a GTR. There's no other car on earth that came with a factory RB26 apart from a GTR and a 260RS. Hence the dubbed name.
That being said they do share parts with Skylines, Laurels, and Silvias. Half the suspension in my Stagea is taken from an S15 Silvia, my brakes from a Z32, my engine is from an R34 Skyline lol. Yes the chassis is mostly shared with the Laurel but it also came with Skyline subframes from.the factory. Everything is shared. But most cars are notably dubbed after what powers them. Similarly to how people call the RAM RT/10 a Viper truck.
Love, love, love Stageas! I'm glad Doug is finally reviewing one.
Lol, what a coincidence.
I was playing Gran Turismo 2 yesterday (after 20 years since I played it last time) and won Stagea 260RS. It was very odd and fascinating car when I played GT2 in my teens, but I never got a chance to get some more info about it and forgot about it thru the years. Today I have nice internet, so when the game reminded me this Nissan I went on UA-cam to find some information about it and bam… Doug put a video 1h ago with Stagea.
Awesome 😎
Sweet!
Memories from GT2:)
Soo boxy and yellow paint.
Also i love how big it is inside.
And speed to max 180km is hilarious in modern days:)
I love when people front end swap these wagons. When done well, it looks so clean.
Getting so much nostalgia for Gran Turismo 2 as soon as I saw Doug's video for this car popped up. I have fond memories of the first time I played GT2 and the very first car I used for the 4WD Challenge races was this very Nissan Stagea 260RS Autech Version in yellow with the HP fully maxed out. Good times! :')
The organic marriage of C&B with Doug's reviews bringing us cars like this is just really.... something, I don't have the proper words. More power to ya Doug !
My favorite generation of these. I actually see a regular one from time to time in my town in rural Russia, it's even the same color as the one featured in the video.
you know it’s gonna be good when he said “THIS” in the beginning
The Stagea is already a really interesting car for me, but this one is on another level.
The same AWD System and RB26 engine from the Skyline GT-R? This makes this Nissan Stagea one of the coolest wagons i've ever seen, for sure!
My favorite out of the bunch of that era
Legnum vr4 looks too similar to the base and the galant coupe is arguably cooler
The 1jz altezza is cool but too similar looking to the regular is200
And the caldina gtt... that's just a different type of car, still a super wagon but a much less hefty celica gt-four wagon
You don’t need to get the 260RS to get ATTESA.
@@mclarenf1lm374 the altezza never came with a 1jz, every 1jz altezza has been engine swapped
@@Bird-nx5ef It did however come in N/A 2jz form, mostly in the 'Gita' wagon versions
@@redsnapper2889 And the 2JZ-GE used in the IS300/AS300 is nothing special either... and that's coming from an IS200 (1G-FE) owner.
Here are some quirks and features you didn't talk about.
Rear seat reclines quite a bit
2 levers in the trunk that's very close to the hatch opening will slam the 2nd row down with a satisfying thud. Then you can sleep in the trunk bed as it's a completely folded flat design.
The trunk door has a easy close function like a rolls royce. From 1996!
The stagea was probably one of the first Nissan's to have optional reverse camera, much like a Gloria or Cedric of the time. It's a big bulge outside and the display was in black and white.
For a wagon this size, it has no cup holders, they figured it out in series 2. Although a sprung and very fancy cup holder was available in all other trims at that time, but only when paired with an automatic.
That climate control is not where it was meant to be. Someone made some cuts to fit that 2din navigation head unit.
The trunk spare tire cover has a bib for your dogs to climb in and out of.
The bodykit for this generation was pp plastic, but they threw that away for fiberglass for series 2. They found out that they weren't going to sell a lot of these.
The VIN plate does not say RB26DETT like an actual Skyline GTR. The wagon had its white body shipped out to autech to have the R33 GTR drivetrain installed. So vin plate says RB25DET instead .....
My favourite quirk that he missed:
Nissan didn't make a manual option until the series 2 (which interestingly is almost as rare and featured the same 5 speed gearbox as the Autech 260RS, but with only the RB25DET motor) - and as such for series 1 cars, Autech used an automatic guage cluster with a sticker to cover up the selected gear lights (can be seen in this video between the Speedo and tach)
@@comieodor I was always curious if someone could peel that tape off and reveal the PRNDL display. The gauge cluster was not untouched otherwise, either. The tachometer reads a cool 10 on the x1000 rpm scale. Doug said the speed is higher but that is not true, it was still at gentlemen's agreed 180km/h nationally mandated electronic speed limiter of the time.
Yeah so many things from the trunks were missed out. Especially since these reviews are much about quirks and FEATURES!
The truck door easy close function was a rare option that most do not have. Also I've never seen or ever heard of these having a backup camera from the factory before. That's odd.
Can't wait for the Mitsubishi legnum/galant vr-4 review. These jdm wagons are so awesome.
I had no idea this thing existed 20 minutes ago and now I am in love.
I drive a friend's 260RS about a decade ago. Very cool. It feels very solid and the motor sounds amazing. Downsides are it's not that fast, even with mild mods due to the heavier body. Fuel consumption is really bad. A motor rebuild, not uncommon with something this old, will run well into the five figures in USD, as my friend found out.
beck/arnley offers most of the engine parts but they are usually rebox factory parts and they are quite pricey.
Hi, Cefiro and Stagea owner here. The NISS ANN Stagea even as a 260RS isn't a skyline but an actual laurel C34, hence the WC34 in the model number.
Also I'd prefer the RB25 over the 26 but that's because of a couple of issues with the oil pumps in the 26 being a little weak due to the drive collar on the crank. you can get good power out of a 25 with no more than a td05 or 3076 and a tune.
the R33 RB26's have the long collar, so less oil pump failure on the motors that came in the 260's.
I agree that it's not a Skyline, but by the model number I believe it's based on the C34 Laurel.
@@afrost1443 yeah I meant laurel, it shares more parts with the c34 than a r33 or r34. Sadly my rs4 is an auto but I might just do a conversion if I find a good box.
@@thejeffler505 on the Stagea they have known to fail just as much. It's an easy fix anyway.
@@ceffydriver I had the equivalent C34 to your RS4 and had to research the Stageas a lot because there was 0 information about AWD C34s. I ended up swapping in an R33 GTR gearbox with not much effort.
what a beautiful underrated car, finally a video about it!
This is basically my top dream JDM car. There was a time these weren't too expensive. Sadly that was a good 10 years ago...
Second choice was Legnum VR-4 (though manual ones ultra rare and thus now, silly money).
I settled for a Subaru Legacy GT-B S Edition manual, in the end. Very happy with it. But would've been nice to have experienced the others.
GTB's are amazing and underrated cheap sleepers. I have a 1998 Subaru B4 RSK 98 octane tuned making 340hp. Love the car but the 5 speed gearbox is not the best, still faster than the new WRX and GTI.
Your mechanic would've hated you if you got a Legnum :p
I nearly bought a 260rs for $11k 5 years ago. Another like the 1 in this video was offered to me for $15k. I ended up paying a bit more for a better example though. Wish I bought all 3 given the way values have gone.
@@gav240z What a great deal, but i prefer the GTB since it has a better handling and faster when it is stock.
There's always the Skyline R31 Wagon which are a lot cheaper
This is the content for what i subscribed Doug once upon a time! ❤ Btw this wagon is more desirable to me 🏆 From Bangladesh 🇧🇩
First time seeing a fellow Bangladeshi commenting here 😄🇧🇩
I had a '97 RS4, fitted with a similar body kit to the one you see here, but with the RB25DE in rear wheel drive only, which topped out at about 190km/h. They tend to develop rust under the wing mirrors and in the sills. Very stable in a straight line but prone to understeer in the twisties. I always lusted after one of these but would never have managed the bill for petrol, tyres, and insurance. This is the car you want! I now drive an E50 Elgrand, fitted with the VQ35DE. It's not short on power....
Perfect timing, Doug! I just went on my lunch break! Thanks for the awesome and informative vids! Keep up the good work, ya quirky fella!
I FRICKEN LOVE WAGONS. FIRST CAR WAS A 96 VOLVO 850 TURBO BACK IN 2015. I BOUGHT IT OFF A CORNER LOT WITH A BROKEN ODOMETER STUCK AT ABOUT 225000 MILES. FUNNY PART WAS IS THAT IT LASTED ME 3 YEARS SO I GOT MY MONEY'S WORTH (A LITTLE OVER 2 GRAND). I DIDNT EVEN KNOW IT WAS A 5 CYLINDER TURBO AT THE TIME BUT THERE IS JUST SOMETHING ABOUT THE WAGON SILHOUETTE THAT IS JUST SO ATTRACTIVE TO ME TO THIS DAY. THIS CAR HAS THOSE SAME EXACT VIBES THAT MADE ME FALL IN LOVE WITH THE SILHOUETTE IN THE FIRST PLACE. THE TAILLIGHTS, SPOLER, ROOF RACK ETC. ITS ALL SO PERFECT. THANK YOU DOUG
I love wagons especially older ones like this and the crown estate I hope Doug does more of these
Yeah he should do the Crown Athlete wagon from the same period
This is by far the coolest car ever to come out of Japan 🙏
Looks like a Volvo wagon from the period. Those were pretty cool too. But this Stageia is a very cool rarity. 👍🏻
I was going to say the same thing
Oh yeah the T5R flying bricks 💪
@@emilen2T5R in a nutshell.
dude I got a stagea a couple months ago, looked for a video from you. Didnt have one. NOW THIS, NIIIICE
Yes, Doug likes piña coladas
And gettin' caught in the rain
If you're not into yoga
If you have half a brain
If you like makin' love at midnight
In the dunes on the cape
Then I'm the love that you've looked for
Write to me and escape
one of the coolest wagons that i’ve loved , another great review doug 😊
This car looks awesome!! Its surprisingly similar to the early model foresters just bigger...
I know right, it has such similar swag to it… as a forester owner these have always had my heart
@@eugenef0zzy totally...especially towards the back with that wing....
@@vossti hatch wings 😍🙌
1:38 damn that looks like a XV20 Camry with the front of a XV10 Camry, perfectly validating Doug's point about most normal skylines as normal transportation mentioned at that frame
A rural mail carrier in my area (Northern Washington State) uses this exact car to deliver mail. I think it helps cause we get some really icy winters sometimes (and of course no RHD conversion needed) but every time I see it it just looks so ridiculous to see such a high performance vehicle delivering mail.
😬 So uneconomical. That drinks like horse in the Sahara
@@verttikoo2052 It can't be worse than JDM re-import Jeep Cherokees and Wranglers with their big six-cylinder engines that rural mail carriers love. Besides, Uncle Sam and by extension all of us are buying their gas.
:D
You should see some Taxis in Monaco. 😆
I love these, they've been very popular imports in Canada over the last decade because they're fun for the summer but they can also get you to the ski hill in winter.
I own a Nismo 260rs with an Rbd25det and it had been the best car I've owned. Has all the practically but also all the performance you need to go up against even v8 cars. Love that it finally reached the US market becuase it means prices of them will sky-rocket in Australia. 😃
Just wait till they realise the doors come pre rusted from factory
If i had one i would never sell it, too rare for that. But if you want to cash in big time, well maybe...
You absolutely do not own a nismo 260rs 😂😂 it was a concept and in grand turismo but they never actually made any. There was however some nismo body panels available for purchase.
No such thing as a Nismo 260rs RB25DET. You most likely owned a RS FOUR Stagea with a Nismo bodykit.
Doug’s channel is the kind of channel that has a bring a trailer commercial for its first advertisement…
Thanks Doug, I am currently researching these. I'm sure this video won't drive up the prices at all.
When I see a video like this popped up, I drop everything and start watching! Way more interesting than all the new cars 😊
9:48 that is not a GTR cluster and those are not GTR seats - both unique to the 260 RS. You can see in the cluster where the display for the automatic would have been for most other Stagea models
Equally it’s not a GTR steering wheel….
I understand that people would want to make it look like a GT-R, however, I REALLY love the stock version. I like these kind of boxy cars, and this is a good boxy car.
Dang it Doug. I secretly wanted one of these at some point...now everyone knows about them and the price is about to go up 🤦🏾
Shout out to reviewing one of my not-so-secret-anymore dream cars lol. I love this thing.
This is definitely one of my dream cars
How are there still so many cars out there that I SHOULD know about, but don't?
That's F'N COOL!
because you probably didnt dive deep enough in the japanese market?
@@99Lezard99A lot of people aren’t nerds about cars lmao
@@idontgotagun9867 true that. but they can learn if they are into it
@@idontgotagun9867 lmao
I bought a stagea as a daily, one of the best cars I've had, highly recommend
That thing is freaking awesome! I don’t know what it is, but I absolutely love wagons (or estate cars if you’re a Brit). The Lancia Delta Integrale Evo is my all-time, dream car.
britishers don't know what a station wagon is??
weird photo that doug used to show when people do r34 front end swaps. people do ENTIRE front end swaps, lights, fenders, bonnet, bar. it looks perfectly like an r34 afterwards and its sick
bad news for junkyard dogs- more states are bringing back 'cash-4-clunkers'....boo-hoo.
It doesn’t happen very often that Doug shows a car I didn't even know existed, but this is one of them.
Being a Subaru Forester turbo owner this car is a bucket list dream car for me
I love this car Doug. I hope you realise a load of people will be searching these up after seeing this video. It would be cool to see the upshift in google searches from like 6 months ago and compare them in 6 months time 😂
Welp, there goes my hopes and dreams of buying a Stagea. I guess I'll just have to get my money up.
Did no one else notice the "S" on the wheels is actually 2 unicorns?
I saw one of these at a rest area in Michigan this summer and I had no idea what it was. When I first drove up I thought it was a Volvo, and then I said wait a minute it’s definitely not… What is it. Very cool to see the review! The one I saw was bright yellow and it was pretty sweet.
If it performs like that just with the StageA, imagine the StageB!
In the process of cleaning and fixing mine up.
Dammit Doug. I've been on the hunt for one of these for years and now all hope of getting one for a fair price is gone! 😅
Nissans were really something special back then.
Pre Renault crappy “engineering” and “leadership”
You sadly forgot about all the other stageas, there are a lot of cool performance versions between the base model and the rs260. Btw autech also made a 4door gtr
love the autech r33 gtr
As a Canadian who has seen these running around the West Coast for a few years now, I couldn't help but chuckle when the term 'subtle' was used to describe these.
Definitely an acquired taste, that’s not exactly what I would call “a looker”.
It's a Japanese Volvo R. Boxy, practical, with a hint of sportiness in its design
Hard disagree, but maybe I've already acquired that taste 😅
@@nothinghere7391, Japanese Volvo, hmm, I can see that.
Gran turismo 2 beast! Never saw them real life (im italian)
They were CRAZY in the 90's!
I unironically wish there were more performance wagons
Ive never seen this thing, deserves so much more recognition
I just love the rear styling of this car. Its simple and clean and it looks fantastic.
Screw a McLaren F1, THIS is the content I come to see. Rare, obscure high-performance wagons.
Never thought I'd see a Stagea on here. Makes me want to finish building mine. 😁
Doug DeMuro... automotive hero.
Bringing another amazing vehicle to C&B!
If you ever look to expand to the Midwest to review cars from outside CA, LMK, I would love to talk to and work for you.
Hi Doug, the wheel caps are not S's but 2 x opposing unicorns, if you zoom in play back your video you can see. PS love ya videos, cheers Tony
@15:09 classic doug, made dad jokes before he was even a father... now it fits perfectly... and the subtle ha at the end 🤌 doug reveling in his amazingness
If I had the money, I would bid right now. But it’s probably a good thing that I don’t… because I would:
1. Increase the performance with a goal of 400-450HP. Not 1,000. Just 450ish.
2. Paint it metallic royal blue.
3. Paint the rims, mirrors, spoiler, and the trim pieces behind the rear side windows in chrome silver.
4. Paint a pair of chrome silver racing stripes on it from the front bumper to the hood, to the roof, and all the way down the back.
5. Upgrade the infotainment system and sound system inside. Apple CarPlay is a must.
6. Add LED accent lighting in the interior and underglow underneath the edges of the whole thing
7. Install cameras in front, back, top down, etc. And other similar modern technologies
Just to name a few 😂
please get a normal stagea if you want to ruin it. highly limited cars like these need to be left alone.
Good thing u don't have the money for one...🤢
I have a 98' Cefiro S-Touring and it has the same gauge cluster and a better AC control setup. Just clicked over 115k's on it. Have owned it since 2007 and it came straight from Tokyo Nissan dealership in really good nick with 80k on the clock. It has been s very solid dependable car.
This is going to be Doug's next car.hes a sucker for station wagon,and a skyline enthusiast.the best of Dougs world
As a dude that loves wagons, vans & more than anything trucks
This is so sick
the stagea autech. love this car. timeless. if i ever come across one with a R34 front facia swap i would DEDUCT at least $14,000 from the stock blue book price. the autech body kit revisions is crucial to what makes this car great.
Can we take a moment to appreciate that cars of this era are a completely different breed. The junk that comes out now is all throwaway cars that are not built to last that will all be heaps of metal by the time they are old enough to be considered classics. Those that are not tuna cans by that time will be outdated relics of 2020 era trends
Sigh, as much as I love Doug. This sets the market to go way up.
RB26 + AWD + WAGON = Heaven.
Any dad that drives this is basically the coolest dad ever.
I have spent alot of time in GTRs and this was probably one of the most fun and interesting cars I have driven . And it's a wagon ... so badass
Jaw dropping is the best way to put it. I think I found a top 5 contender for my favorite vehicles of all time.
I dream of owning this kinda car someday.
I really really want it.
This is what I need for scout camp trips.
About the handling... did anyone notice that the Stagea is on snow tires (aka Studless tires)? You can clearly tell it's rolling on Michelin X-Ice (see 5:58). That would clearly affect how the car feels. The OEM rims were so pristine because it was probably used only for three months out of the year, where it didn't snow.
Doug be pulling out some gems for real, never seen this b4❤❤❤😊
Just picked up the RS Four S version of this car. It’s a RB25 awd manual version of this same car but for 1/3rd of the price. Best kept secret in these cars. 😃
14:29 I have the same experience with my Honda Accord CD7 2.2i, which is as rare the Autech is in the US as it is here in The Netherlands. Never saw one in the two years that I have owned it. It has heated seats, electric power antenna, heated mirrors and the lot.
Missed my favorite quirk or feature of the 260, there are giant red warning label stickers on the lips of the wheels, saying there required front or rear position because of a slightly different offset. Not even width, I just slightly different offset. I love that.
Bonus feature is the rear bumper protector that folds out from the spare tire area covered in horseshoes and the Stagea logo. Looking at the photos, it appears this one is missing it.
Also, all 260 VIN plates say RB25 because that’s the motor they started out as, before Autech modified them.
that sounds quite bastardized for a nissan product